Falcons RB Camp Preview: Will Atlanta Cut Cordarrelle Patterson?

With the selection of Bijan Robinson in the NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons could cut Cordarrelle Patterson.

The Atlanta Falcons will begin training camp in just a few weeks and are already envisioning what the season ahead will look like for rookie running back Bijan Robinson. 

After a hugely successful career at the University of Texas, the No. 8 overall NFL Draft pick's arrival in Atlanta comes with high expectations. The former Doak Walker Award winner, which is annually given to the best running back in college football, will now look to become the focal point of the Falcons' offense. 

Now, with Robinson largely expected to be the top back for the Falcons, even after the emergence of Tyler Allgeier in his rookie season, the roster status of Cordarrelle Patterson is in question. Some have gone as far as to say Patterson is a potential trade candidate for the Falcons after the arrival of Robinson. At the same time, others have listed him as a cut candidate. 

Yet, judging by recent comments from coach Arthur Smith and Patterson, the Falcons already have a plan for the 32-year-old.

"CP has done a lot of jobs.," Smith said of Patterson's role recently. "You saw that his role in 2021 was a very different story than what he did in 2022. I don't want to get too specific in it – that will play itself out – but I'm excited CP is still here. He looks good. It's a good problem to have with guys who are versatile."

After playing 78 snaps lined up as a receiver last season, according to Pro Football Focus, it seems Patterson's role in the Falcons' offense could be reverting to what it was in 2021 when Atlanta moved him around. The former receiver still shines as a pass-catcher, and with two bell-cow backs in Robinson and Allgeier on the roster, Patterson looks set to be the "swiss-army" knife of the running back room. 

Projected Depth Chart

RB1: Bijan Robinson

RB2: Tyler Allgeier 

RB3: Cordarrelle Patterson

Assuming Patterson stays on the 53-man roster, it could mean that Caleb Huntley is the odd man out at running back. The second-year back out of Ball State played in just 12 games last season as the Falcons' third back behind Allgeier and Patterson, totaling 366 yards and a touchdown on 76 carries. 

Even though the Falcons will be a run-first offense, it seems very unlikely that they carry four backs unless they can justify it by making Huntley a fullback.

---

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.

Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.

Follow Harrison Reno on Twitter.

Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the SI.com team page here.